Joe Crowley: “Although I am for free and fair trade, as well as engagement with China, now is not the time for permanent normal trade…”

“Although I am for free and fair trade, as well as engagement with China, now is not the time for permanent normal trade relations. China has simply not matured enough politically or economically to have permanent normal trade relations with the U.S. China still poses a danger to our national security, has a record of gross human rights violations, including the use of prison labor, and a lack of religious freedom. China also has a terrible record on the environment and has some of the most polluted cities in the entire world. I think it is dangerous to give up the most important leverage we have in order to get China to comply with the agreements, the annual review process, and the carrot of permanent relations. You do not give away the carrot before you get the results that you want. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to oppose granting permanent normal trade relations to China.”